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WEST SEAHORSE PROJECT

GEOPHYSICAL & GEOTECHNICAL SURVEY ENVIRONMENT PLAN SUMMARY (VIC/L31 & VIC/P57)

(GIPPSLAND BASIN)Doc No : WSH‐CHP‐10‐RG‐LC‐002

Rev Issue Date

Reason For Issue Originator Reviewer Approver

2 27/03/2014 REVISED FOR INCREASED SURVEY AREA L.CHAPMAN A.ZILIC T. STENSGAARD

1 09/01/2014 REVISED FOR ALTERED SURVEY TIMEFRAME L.CHAPMAN B.SCHEEPERS T. STENSGAARD

0 23/07/2013 ISSUED TO NOPSEMA L. CHAPMAN M. POOLE T. STENSGAARD

West Seahorse Project of 29

WSH‐CHP‐10‐RG‐LC‐0002 GEOTECHNICAL & GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY

ENVIRONMENT PLAN SUMMARY (VIC/L31 & VIC/P57) Rev 2

This is an electronically generated document which has been reviewed and approved in accordance with Hibiscus Petroleum Management System. An audit trail of review and approval is available within the electronic document management system. The Electronic Document Management System Latest Revision of this document is the CONTROLLED COPY at all times. When printed it is considered a FOR INFORMATION ONLY copy, and it is the holder’s responsibility that he / she holds the latest valid version. , Hibiscus Petroleum Or A Subsidiary Thereof, Copyright 2012 And Design Right Reserved. Copying, Distribution And/Or Disclosure Of The

Confidential Information Contained Herein Is Prohibited Without Written Permission Of The Proprietor.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................5

2.0 ACTIVITY LOCATION ..........................................................................................................................6

3.0 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION .....................................................................................................................8 3.1 SURVEY SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................... 8 3.2 SURVEY VESSELS .......................................................................................................................................... 10

4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................... 11 4.1 GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING ......................................................................................................... 11 4.2 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................................ 11 4.3 MARINE SPECIES .......................................................................................................................................... 12 4.4 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT................................................................................................................................ 14

4.4.1 COMMERCIAL SHIPPING .................................................................................................................. 14 4.4.2 FISHERIES ......................................................................................................................................... 14 4.4.3 COMMONWEALTH/STATE HERITAGE .............................................................................................. 15 4.4.4 OIL & GAS DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................... 15

5.0 ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND CONTROLS ....................................................... 16

6.0 SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT APPROACH...................................................................................... 25

7.0 CONSULTATION PROCESS ............................................................................................................... 26

8.0 CONTACT DETAILS .......................................................................................................................... 28

9.0 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................... 29




ABBREVIATIONS

µPa Micro‐pascal

AFMA Australian Fisheries Management Authority

AHO Australian Hydrographic Office

AIS Automatic Identification System

ALARP As Low as Reasonably Practicable

AMSA Australian Maritime Safety Authority

ASBTIA Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association

CAMBA China/Australia Migratory Birds Agreement

CFA Commonwealth Fisheries Association

CPT Cone Penetration Tests

dB Decibels

DEPI Department of Environment and Primary Industry

DSDBI Department of State Development, Business and Innovation

DOC Department of Communication

DOE Department of Environment

DP Dynamic Positioning

DSDBI Department of State Development, Business and Innovation

ENE East‐North‐East

EPBC Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation

ESTF Eastern Skipjack Tuna Fishery

ETBF Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery

FSO Floating Storage and Offloading Vessel

GHaT Gillnet, Hook and Trap Sectors

Ha Hectares

Hz Hertz

IMO International Maritime Organisation

IMS Invasive Marine Species

JAMBA Japan/Australia Migratory Birds Agreement

JVP’s Joint Venture Partners

kHz Kilohertz

km Kilometre

LEFCOL Lakes Entrance Fisherman’s Cooperative Pty Ltd

m Metres

MARPOL Marine pollution protocol

MBES Multibeam Echo Sounders

MDO Marine Diesel Oil

MGO Marine Gas Oil

MOPU Mobile Offshore Petroleum Unit

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet

NE North East

NNTT National Native Title Tribunal

NOO National Oceans Office




NOPSEMA National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority

NOPTA National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator

NOx Nitrous oxides

OCNS Offshore Chemical Notification Scheme

ODME Oil Detection Monitoring Equipment

OIW Oil in Water

OPGGSA Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006

OPGGSER Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) regulations 2009

OSCP Oil Spill Contingency Plan

PLONOR Poses Little or No Risk

POB Persons on Board

PROD Portable remotely operated drill

R Regulation

RAMSAR RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands

RCC Rescue Coordination Centre

ROKAMBA Republic of Korea/ Australia Migratory Birds Agreement

SBTF Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery

SEL Sound Exposure Level

SESSF Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery

SETFIA South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association

SFD Seafloor Drilling

SIV Seafood Industry Victoria

SOLAS Safety of Life at Sea Convention

SOPEP Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan

SOx Sulphur oxides

SPF Small Pelagic Fishery

SSE South‐south east

SSW South‐South‐West

STCW95 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch‐keeping

SW South West

Tcf Trillion cubic feet

TTS Temporary Threshold Shift

VIC Victoria

VSFA Victorian Scallop Fishermen’s Association

W West

WA Western Australia

WNW West‐North‐West

WSH West Seahorse

WSW West‐South‐West




1.0 INTRODUCTION

Carnarvon Hibiscus (‘Hibiscus’), on behalf of the West Seahorse (WSH) Joint Partners (JVPs), Hibiscus and 3D Oil Limited, is proposing to undertake a Geotechnical and Geophysical Survey in the Commonwealth waters (Gippsland Basin) to support site selection for the WSH Development infrastructure and site selection for an exploration target, Sea Lion. The WSH Field lies in Petroleum Production Licence VIC/L31 and Sea Lion lies in Petroleum Exploration Permit VIC/P57.

The purpose of the survey is to:

Obtain information on the seabed conditions at the WSH location for the proposed development infrastructure (Mobile Offshore Production Unit [MOPU], export crude flowline and Floating Storage and Offloading [FSO] Vessel); and

Geotechnical information for the MOPU foundations and anchoring of the FSO’s Rigid Arm; and

Obtain information on the seabed conditions at the Sea Lion location for the MOPU during exploration drilling activities.

Hibiscus, as nominated Environmental Operator for this petroleum activity within VIC/L31 and VIC/P57, has prepared an Environment Plan in accordance with the requirements of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009 which has been reviewed and accepted by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).

This Environment Plan Summary document has been prepared to comply with the requirements of Regulation 11(7) and (8) of the referenced Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009 prior to regulatory amendments implemented on 28th February 2014.




2.0 ACTIVITY LOCATION

The WSH Field is located in Production Licence VIC/L31 in Bass Strait and Sea Lion is located in the south‐west section of exploration permit VIC/P57. The WSH Field is located approximately 18km SSE of Loch Sport, with the closest landfall site 14km north‐west on the Ninety Beach at a point midway between Loch Sport and Golden Beach (refer Figure 2‐1). Sea Lion is located approximately 6.5km inshore from the WSH MOPU location and is located approximately 13.5km SSW of Loch Sport.

The survey will be undertaken within the proposed offshore WSH development area and the Sea Lion exploration prospect area which is defined by the coordinates provided in Table 2‐1. The survey covers an area of approximately 1600Ha [WSH: 1500Ha, Sea Lion: 100Ha] and will be undertaken in approximate water depths of between 21‐25m (Sea Lion) and 35‐45m (WSH). Figure 2‐2 provides details of the proposed survey area.

Table 2‐1: Survey Area (GDA94)

Location Point Latitude Longitude

Degrees Minutes Seconds Degrees Minutes Seconds

West Seahorse

PSLM1 38 11 38.97 147 38 52.23

PSLM2 38 10 21.60 147 37 38.60

PSLM3 38 12 01.12 147 34 52.69

PSLM4 38 13 17.51 147 36 02.62

Sea Lion PSLM5 38 10 46.8 147 33 28.8

PSLM6 38 10 14.4 147 33 28.8

PSLM7 38 10 14.4 147 32 46.8

PSLM8 38 10 46.8 147 32 47.4

Figure 2‐1: Regional Location of the WSH Field




Figure 2‐2: Survey Area




3.0 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

3.1 SURVEY SCOPE

The survey scope consists of the following two components:

Geophysical Survey which may consist of: o Bathymetry assessment across the alignment measured using a Multi‐beam Echo

Sounder (MBES). This equipment emits sound levels of 220dB re 1µPa at frequencies between 200‐400kHz (high frequency);

o Refraction sub‐bottom profiling (obtaining subsurface data to depths of 0‐60m below seabed) utilising a CHIRP system. This system is towed above the seabed at approximately 12.5m This system operates at a source level of approximately 170dB re 1µPa in the mid‐frequency range 2kHz to 16kHz; and

o Reflection sub‐bottom profiler boomer system (obtaining data 0‐100m depth below seabed). This equipment emits sound levels of 215dB re 1µPa in the mid‐frequency range 0.5kHz to 2kHz and includes a surface hydrophone streamer which is towed at up to 60m (including the 20m length of the hydrophone) behind the vessel.

Geotechnical Survey which may consist of: o Grab Samples: Up to 20 seabed sediment samples within the total survey areas

between 0.5‐1.0m deep; and o Cone Penetration Test (CPT): Up to 20 locations within the total survey area to a

depth of 40m; or o Boreholes: Up to 10 locations within the total survey area to a depth of 40m; or o Vibrocores: Up to 20 locations within the total survey area to a depth of 6m.

For the geophysical survey activities, all equipment will be operating simultaneously as there is sufficient differentiation in frequency bands.

Equipment which may be utilized for the geotechnical survey activities include:

Seabed CPT Unit: This testing method pushes an instrumented cone into the sediment using a seabed reaction frame and records the resistance of the head of the cone. The footprint of the equipment when resting on the seabed is approximately 2m x 2m. The

diameter of the CPT rod pushed into the seabed is ~44 mm and is expected to generate a surface diameter of 66mm (the hole will be self‐closing after the CPT rod is withdrawn);

Vibrocore Equipment: Vibrocore equipment is an electrically driven vibrating corer capable of obtaining 76mm diameter cores. Corers consist of a demountable tower, and watertight aluminum/steel vibrating drive unit containing two 3‐phase electric motors. The corer stands freely on the seabed, braced by three 2.5m long retractable legs with attachments to winch cable and an independent electrical cable;

Seabed Drilling Systems: o Sea Floor Drilling (SFD): The SFD package utilizes wire‐line coring to obtain

subsurface soil samples from an aluminum core barrel installed by a rotary drill bit. The footprint of the equipment is 3.8m (W) x 5.4m (L) x 6.6m (H). The equipment produces a core diameter of up to 83mm.

o ROV Drill: A self‐contained drilling and geotechnical testing system utilizing a polymer injection mud system with real‐time monitoring of the operation (cameras and sensors). The footprint of the equipment when resting on the seabed is 2.3m (W) x 5.5m (L) x 5.4m (H). The equipment produces a core diameter of up to 85mm.

o Portable Remotely Operated Drill (PROD) System: This fully self‐contained PROD system utilizes a rotary system to undertake geotechnical surveys and




has a seabed footprint of 2m (W) x 2m (L) x 3m (H). This equipment produces a core diameter of 44mm.

All units are controlled manually from surface vessels utilizing closed‐system hydraulics. All seabed drilling units may utilize additives to the seawater drilling fluid to optimize coring activities. These chemicals include polymer muds such as Pure‐Bore Liquid or equivalent.

The Geotechnical and Geophysical survey may be undertaken as two separate activities with the geophysical survey informing the location of subsequent geotechnical activities within the survey area. Scopes for these survey(s) are found in Table 3‐1. Table 3‐1: Possible Geophysical/Geotechnical Program Scope

Survey Scope/DetailsSurvey 1: Geophysical/ Geotechnical Survey Duration:

~10days

Scope:

Bathymetry Assessment (MBES);

Refraction Sub‐bottom Profiling (CHIRP);

Reflection Sub‐bottom Profiling (Boomer);

20 x 1.5m grab samples of seabed sediment (to 0.5m‐1m depth); and

20 x 5m Cone Penetration Tests; or

20 Vibrocores.

Vessel Requirements: Small local marine survey vessel with crane capability to launch CPT unit with the following typical specifications:

Gross Tonnage ~300tonnes;

Length ~35m;

Breadth ~11m;

Draft~2m;

POB~32 persons;

Max Fuel Tank size~25m3 (Marine Diesel Oil)

Survey 2: Geotechnical Survey Duration:

~10days

Scope:

10 x 40m (100mm diameter) boreholes;

CPTs: 2 x 40m; 9 x 25; 5 x 6m;

14 x 6m vibrocores.

Vessel Requirements: Larger Marine Survey vessel with the following typical specifications:

Gross Tonnage ~2440‐4500tonnes;

Length ~67‐90m;

Breadth ~16‐20m;

Draft~6m;

POB~40‐60 persons;

Max Fuel Tank size~80m3 (Marine Diesel Oil)

The Geophysical and Geophysical Surveys will operate on a 24hr/7day basis. The survey is expected to take approximately 10‐15 days [total period but weather dependent] to complete within the time frame 1 April to 30 September 2014.

Timing of the commencement of the geophysical and geotechnical fieldwork is dependent on sea states suitable for data acquisition, the availability of a survey vessel and the granting of approvals from appropriate government authorities.




3.3 SURVEY VESSELS

The survey vessel for the proposed WSH geophysical and geotechnical survey has not yet been selected. Dependent on the geotechnical scope of work1, it is possible that the selected geophysical survey vessel may undertake the complete geophysical/geotechnical work‐scope. In this instance a smaller geophysical survey vessel may mobilize to the WSH location from Lakes Entrance. If a larger geotechnical vessel is required to undertake boring works, the vessel will mobilize from Australian waters, however from ports located outside the Gippsland Basin.

Vessels selected for the WSH survey activities will have the necessary Class Certification/ Registration and will be compliant with all the requirement of the MARPOL/SOLAS conventions including a Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) (or equivalent appropriate to size and class) in accordance with MARPOL 73/78 Annex I (Regulation 37) and the Protection of the Seas (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983.

During the survey, no ‘at sea’ refueling will take place. All crew changes and resupply of vessels will take place at port.

The supply port for the smaller geophysical survey is expected to be Lake Entrance. The supply port for a larger geotechnical survey vessel, if required, is expected to be Port of Geelong.

1 Seabed Drilling System deployment (for bores) will require a larger multi‐purpose dynamically‐positioned (DP) geotechnical survey vessel for the activity.




4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT

4.1 GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

The survey area is located on the Twofold Shelf Bioregion of the South East Marine Region (NOO, 2002). The continental shelf is relatively narrow in the northern section, becoming much broader and shallower in the southern area of the Gippsland Basin. The Twofold Shelf area is strongly influenced by a number of different currents that run through and near by the shelf, bringing both warm and cool currents. Nutrients from cooler upwellings supply rich biota that thrives in the warmer, shallower shelf region (NOO, 2002). Fauna is characterized by assemblages of reef fish, echinoderms, gastropods and bivalves (NOO, 2002).

The coastline consists of long sandy beaches broken by rocky headlands and numerous coastal lagoons. Estuary systems occur along the coastline within the region, with the larger estuaries located at Lakes Entrance (Gippsland Lakes); Sydenham Inlet and Mallacoota Inlet (NOO, 2002). Most of these estuary systems are normally closed to the marine environment.

The nearest Victorian State Marine Reserves to the survey area are:

Ninety Mile Beach Marine National Park (Vic) located approximately 37km southwest;

Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park (Vic) located approximately 77km southwest;

Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary (Vic) located approximately 105km ENE;

Wilsons Promontory Marine Park (Vic) located approximately 130km SW; and

Point Hicks State Marine National Park (VIC) located approximately 150km ENE.

The nearest Commonwealth Marine Reserves to the survey area are:

East Gippsland Commonwealth Marine Reserve located approximately 200km ESE; and

Beagle Commonwealth Marine Reserve located approximately 110km SSW.

The nearest Coastal Park to the survey area is the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, located approximately 14km west of the WSH Development area and 7.5km west of the Sea Lion prospect, is a narrow coastal reserve covering 17000Ha along the Ninety Mile Beach from Seaspray to Lakes Entrance. The park consists of lakes and wetlands and is jointly managed by Parks Victoria and the Gunaikurnai as traditional owners of the land. The area is popular for camping along Shoreline Drive, surf fishing and swimming and is rich in wildlife including Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Black Wallabies and the Common brush‐tail and Ring‐tailed possums (Parks Victoria, 2013). This coastal park forms a dune barrier which protects the Gippsland Lakes RAMSAR site from sea‐based impacts. This RAMSAR area contains 540 flora species and 300 species of indigenous fauna and migratory bird species listed under the Japan‐Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) and China‐Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA) (Parks Victoria, 2003).

4.2 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The climate of the Twofold Shelf bioregion is moist, cool temperate with warm summers and a tendency towards winter‐spring rainfall (NOO, 2002).

Tenements VIC/L31 and VIC/P57 are protected from south‐westerly swells by Tasmania but are strongly influenced by south‐easterly and easterly swells of height 1‐1.5m with maximum heights varying between 1.9‐2.7m (LCC, 1993; cited in Barton et al, 2012). Stalled low pressure systems in the Tasman Sea during summer can generate higher wave energy at this time (NOO, 2002).

Tides within the South East Marine Region show seasonal variation with spring tides of approximately 0.9m and neap tides of 0.6m (Parks Victoria, 2013). Strong semi‐diurnal tidal currents (2‐2.5knots) run parallel to the coast and are characteristic of this area (Barton et al, 2012). The seabed at the WSH location is relatively flat and featureless on a sandy seabed with localized depressions (not considered pock‐marks) in water depths of approximately 38‐40m. No debris




was evident at the current WSH‐3 location in 2007 (Fugro, 2007a). The seabed at the Sea Lion location from previous surveys undertaken identifies the NW section of the survey area to be smooth with minor seafloor channels (approx. 30‐35m in width and 0.2m deep). Very small depressions are the main feature to the SE. No debris or obstructions were identified at the site in 2007 (Fugro, 2007b).

4.3 MARINE SPECIES

The Southeast Marine Region displays a large diversity of plant and animal species. In addition to high diversity, the region has large numbers of endemic species including 600 species of fish, of which 85% are thought to be endemic and 11% are common only to waters of neighboring New Zealand. Up to 95% of mollusks present, approximately 90% of echinoderms and up to 62% of macro‐algae (seaweed) species are only found in these waters (Director of National Parks, 2012).

Mega fauna species such as whales, shark and turtles migrate through these waters. A search of the EPBC Act Protected Matters Database (SEWPC, 2013a) identified the following species as potentially having habitat within the survey area (refer Table 3‐1):

Twelve (12) species of cetacean are listed. Three (3) species have a threatened status and eight (8) species have a migratory status. It is possible that some of the listed cetacean species may be encountered in the survey area on a transitory basis only. The survey area is not considered biologically significant (i.e. breeding, feeding or resting) for these species;

Three (3) reptile species have a threatened and migratory status. Encounter with marine turtles is expected to be low as the survey area is considered outside the usual range or does not contain suitable habitat (i.e. deep water) for a number of the listed turtle species;

Three (3) species of shark are listed. Two (2) species have a threatened status and all species have a migratory status. Species are expected to have a transitory presence in the survey area and encounter is expected to be low;

Eighteen (18) bird species are listed as threatened and sixteen (16) listed as migratory marine bird species. These birds may overfly and forage in the survey area, however the survey area is not biologically significant for these marine bird species;

Twenty‐seven (27) species of fish are listed including one which is vulnerable, nineteen (19) species of pipefish, three (3) species of pipe‐horse, one (1) species of sea‐dragon and four (4) species of sea‐horse; and

Two additional mammal species also have habitat within Bass Strait waters, the New Zealand Fur Seal (Arctocephalus forster) and Australian Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) (Shaughnessy, 1999). These species do not have an EPBC protection status but are listed under that legislation and may be encountered foraging within the survey area. The

closest breeding site is at Wilson’s promontory (~130km SW) and the Skerries (~175km NE).

Table 4‐1: EPBC Listed Threatened/Migratory Species for the WSH Survey Corridor (SEWPC, 2013a)

Status: Likelihood of Occurrence:

E: Endangered LO: Species/species habitat likely to occur in area

V: Vulnerable MO: Species/species habitat may occur within area

M: Migratory KO: Species/species habitat known to occur within area

L: Listed BLO: Breeding Likely to Occur

FLO: Foraging Likely to Occur

Species Type Scientific Name Common Name EPBC Status Type of Presence

Marine Birds

Apus pacificus Fork‐tailed Swift M LO

Botaurus poiciloptilus Australiasian Bittern E KO

Diomedea epomophora epomophora

Southern Royal Albatross V, M MO




Status: Likelihood of Occurrence:

E: Endangered LO: Species/species habitat likely to occur in area

V: Vulnerable MO: Species/species habitat may occur within area

M: Migratory KO: Species/species habitat known to occur within area

L: Listed BLO: Breeding Likely to Occur

FLO: Foraging Likely to Occur

Species Type Scientific Name Common Name EPBC Status Type of Presence

Diomedea epomophora sanfordi Northern Royal Albatross E, M MO

Diomedea exulans antipodensis Antipodean Albatross V, M FLO

Diomedea exulans exulans Tristan Albatross E, M MO

Diomedea exulans gibsoni Gibson’s Albatross V, M FLO

Diomedea exulans (sensu lato) Wandering Albatross V, M FLO

Fregetta grallaria grallaria White‐bellied Storm Petrel V LO

Halobaena caerulea Blue Petrel V MO

Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant‐Petrel E, M MO

Macronectes halli Northern Giant‐Petrel V, M MO

Puffinus carneipes Flesh‐footed Shearwater M FLO

Sternula nereis nereis Fairy Tern V KO

Thalassarche bulleri Buller’s Albatross V,M MO

Thalassarche cauta cauta Tasmanian Shy Albatross V, M MO

Thalassarche chrysostoma Grey‐headed Albatross E, M MO

Thalassarche melanophris Black‐browed Albatross V, M MO

Thalassarche cauta salvini Salvin’s Albatross V, M MO

Thalassarche impravida Campbell Albatross V,M MO

Marine Mammals Balaenoptera acutorostrata Minke Whale L MO

Balaenoptera edeni Bryde’s Whale M MO

Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale E, M LO

Caperea marginata Pygmy Right Whale M MO

Delphinus delphis Common Dolphin L MO

Eubalaena australis Southern Right Whale E, M KO

Grampus griseus Risso’s Dolphin L MO

Lagrnorhynchus obscurus Dusky Dolphin M MO

Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale V, M LO

Orcinus orca Killer Whale M MO

Tursiops aduncus Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin L LO

Tursiops truncatus Bottlenose Dolphin L MO

Arctocephalus forsteri New Zealand Fur Seal L MO

Arctocephalus pusillus Australian Fur Seal L MO

Sharks/Fish Carcharodon carcharias Great White Shark V, M MO

Lamna nasus Porbeagle, Mackerel Shark M LO

Irurus oxyrinchus Shortfin Mako, Mako Shark M LO

Rhincodon typus Whale Shark V, M MO

Prototroctes maraena Australian Grayling V LO

Reptiles Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle E, M LO

Chelonia mydas Green Turtle V,M KO

Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Turtle E, M LO




4.5 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

4.5.1 Commercial Shipping

Bass Strait is one of Australia’s busiest commercial shipping routes in Australia with more than 3000 vessels making the east‐west passage through Bass Strait each year (NOO, 2002). A vessel traffic separation scheme has been instituted between the Victorian/NSW border and Wilsons Promontory to enhance maritime safety in the area separating shipping into discrete, one direction lanes. Additionally, an “Area to be Avoided” has be designated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to protect the Esso‐BHP Bass Strait Oil and Gas Facilities. As such all ships over 200 gross tonnage are restricted to the shipping channels to the east and south of this area.

The proposed survey area is located within the Bass Strait ‘Area to be Avoided’. AMSA (2013) has advised that vessel encounter will be limited to commercial fishing and recreational vessels.

4.5.2 Fisheries

Commonwealth fisheries, managed by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), and Victorian state‐managed fisheries, managed by the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) are located in the survey area. Fisheries form a significant source of employment and income to the region.

AFMA (2012) have advised that the survey area lies in the following Commonwealth‐managed fishing areas:

Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) (includes the Commonwealth Trawl Sector (CTS), Gillnet, Hook and Trap Sectors (GHaT)) (consultation has identified that Danish seine operators, predominantly located at Lakes Entrance, may be present in the WSH section of the survey area but not the Sea Lion location. GHaT fishermen are also likely to be present in the WSH area at the time of the survey);

Small Pelagics Fishery (SPF) (consultation has identified that it is unlikely that members of the SPF will be present in the survey area at the time of the survey);

Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery (SBTF) (consultation has identified that this fishery does not operate in the survey area);

Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF) (consultation has identified that members of this fishery will not be present in the survey area);

Skipjack Tuna Fishery (consultation has identified that this fishery does not operate in the survey area); and

Southern Squid Jig Fishery (consultation has identified that it is unlikely that members of this fishery will have a presence in the area at the time of the survey).

DEPI (2013) has advised that the following state‐managed fisheries, permitted to operate within the survey area, include the following:

Ocean Access Fishery (Activity within the area is reported as low and given the ‘day trip’/small vessel nature of the fishing fishermen are unlikely to be present in the survey area however encounter is possible);

Ocean Purse Seine Fishery (It is possible that this fisherman may be encountered during the survey, however given the distance of the survey area from Lakes Entrance this is considered unlikely);

Rock Lobster Fishery (consultation has identified that given the sandy substrates within the survey area rock lobster fishermen are not expected to be actively fishing in the survey area, however may be active in reef areas around the Sea Lion portion of the survey);




Giant Crab Fishery (consultation has identified that no commercial fishery is present in the area and crab fishermen do not actively fish the area);

Inshore (Ocean) Trawl Fishery (This fishery has not been recorded as having a fishing presence in the WSH survey area however may be present in the Sea Lion survey area); and

Ocean Scallop Fishery (this fishery opened on April 1, 2013 (12 month season) after years of closure and given the predominant fishing season (May to November) is likely to be present in the survey area during survey activities if the fishery opens in 2014).

DEPI (2013) also advises that in the past ten years only two fisheries have been active within the WSH survey area – the Ocean Access Fishery and the Ocean Scallop Fishery.

4.5.3 Commonwealth/State Heritage

There are no listed Commonwealth Heritage Places, National Heritage Places or places on the Register of National Estate within, or in the immediate vicinity of the proposed survey area. The closest Commonwealth Heritage Place is the Gabo Island Lighthouse located 215km ENE of the survey area (SEWPC, 2013b).

Review of the National Shipwreck Database showed that no Historic Shipwrecks lay within the survey area (SEWPC, 2013c). The closest shipwreck is the Julius (16km NE of the survey area). Other wrecks include an unknown wreck 45km south of the survey area; Trinculo (1879) wrecked on Ninety Mile Beach (25km from survey location); and the Norfolk, also wrecked on Ninety Mile Beach approximately 20km from the survey location (SEWPC, 2013c).

4.5.4 Oil & Gas Development

The Gippsland Basin has been producing hydrocarbons since 1969 (a total of 4 billion barrels of liquids and 9.8Tcf of gas to the end of June 1998). Currently the Gippsland Basin has (DPI, 2011):

Seventeen (17) developed offshore oil and gas fields;

Twenty‐four (24) offshore production facilities (platforms, mono‐towers & subsea completions); and

Over 600km of pipeline network.

Onshore oil and gas processing facilities are located at both Longford and Orbost. Most of this infrastructure is operated by Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd.

The nearest boundary of the survey is located approximately 11.5km WNW of Esso‐BHP’s Barracouta platform and 5km west of the Seahorse subsea wellhead. The survey location (based upon MOPU location) is 38km east of the Longford Onshore Processing Facility.

The survey area is located within Production Licence Area VIC/L31 and Exploration Permit VIC/P57.




5.0 ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND CONTROLS

In accordance with the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009 R14(3) and R14(3A), an environmental hazard identification and risk assessment has been undertaken to evaluate the potential sources of environmental impact associated with the survey activities. This included an assessment of risks arising from operational activities; unplanned events (non‐routine/accident); and incident response activities and can be grouped into the following broad categories:

Mobilization of Survey Vessel to Survey area: o Introduction of Invasive Marine Species (IMS) from biofouling and ballast water

discharges;

Physical presence of the Survey Vessel2: o Disruption to commercial fishing activities and third party vessel movement;

Sound impacts to the marine environment3: o Discharge of acoustic sound sources in the survey area; o Sound from operation of vessels;

Seabed Disturbance Activities; o Cone Penetration Tests (CPTs)/boring; o Drilling fluid releases;

General vessel operations: o Routine waste discharges from the survey vessel:

Oily water discharge; Sewage discharges; Food‐scrap discharges; and

o Air Emissions (combustion sources);

Non‐Routine events; o Accidental hydrocarbon spill due to collision with another vessel or vessel

integrity incident; o Chemical/oil spill through deck drain system; o Solid non‐biodegradable/hazardous waste overboard incident; o Towed Equipment entanglement/loss in the marine environment; o Hydraulic line liquid release from subsea equipment; and o Collision with a cetacean.

Implemented control measures identified in Table 5‐1 ensure that the environmental risk associated with these hazards is as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). Control measures are taken into consideration in calculating the residual risk associated with the activity impact reflected in Table 5‐1.

2 Lighting on‐board vessel will be limited to navigation lighting and workplace safety requirements. The WSH and Sea Lion locations are not in proximity to sensitive location such as turtle or seabird nesting beaches (i.e. ~7‐14km from shore). This hazard, and its possible impact, is considered ALARP on this basis. 3 No helicopter operations will occur for these survey activities.




Table 5‐1: WSH Geotechnical/Geophysical Survey Environmental Risk Summary

Aspect Possible Impacts Control/Mitigation Measures Residual Risk

Mobilisation

Vessel entry into Twofold Shelf Waters (Introduction of IMS)

Alteration of local ecosystem by IMS through Vessel Bio‐fouling

Prevention Controls:

Vessels entering Twofold Shelf waters will be risk‐assessed in accordance with the National Biofouling Management Guidelines for the Petroleum Production & Exploration Industry (2009). Corrective actions identified within that risk assessment will be completed and the vessel will be considered low risk prior to mobilisation;

In‐field equipment is inspected and cleaned between survey operations;

Where possible, local vessels will be used for survey activities.

LOW

Alteration of local ecosystem by IMS through ballast water discharge


Vessels will be sourced within Australia;

Survey vessel will observe the requirements of the EPA Protocol for Environmental Management: Domestic Ballast Water Management in Victorian Waters (Publication 949.4, 2013) which prevents translocation of IMS from Australian coastal ports to Victorian coastal waters (i.e. within 12nm).

LOW

Presence of Vessel in Permit Area

Presence of Vessel Activities

Interference with Commercial Fishing Activities (Spatial Conflicts)


Stakeholder consultation with fisheries to advise of activity, understand issues and identify practicable controls to reduce impacts;

Detailed notifications to marine users prior to survey commencement and on survey completion;

On‐going consultation with relevant fisheries during activity;

Notification issued to AMSA RCC who will issue shipping warnings (AusCoast) to minimise potential for marine activity conflicts;

Notice to Mariners issued by AHO for activity.

Mitigation:

During Survey 1 (geophysical/geotechnical) vessel can deviate to avoid fishermen presence (i.e. no substantial trailing equipment);

Radio communication with third party vessels (if spatial conflict).

LOW





Disruption to Other Marine Stakeholders (Third Party Vessels) (Diversion)


Stakeholder consultation with commercial shipping to advise of activity and identify any issues to identify controls to minimise impacts;

Notification issued to AMSA RCC who will issue shipping warnings (AusCoast) to minimise potential for marine activity conflicts;

Notice to Mariners issued by AHO for activity.

Mitigation:

Bridge manned 24/7 to identify third party vessel presence via navigational safety equipment (radar, radio, navigation lights and AIS);

Trained marine Crew (STCW95 or equivalent);

Survey area lies in the Bass Strait ‘Area to be Avoided’ hence large commercial vessels will not be present.

LOW

Survey Operations

Operation of Survey Acoustic Sources

Damage to &/or behavioural changes to marine fauna (Cetaceans)


Acoustic sources adopted for the survey are low in sound source level in the mid‐to‐high frequency ranges. Only the MBES and reflective (boomer) portion of the survey has acoustic sound levels above 160dB re 1µPa

2.s. This is the

nominated level of harm published in the EPBC Policy 2.1. No low frequency (<500Hz) sources will be used during the geophysical survey.

Crew members will be trained and experienced in whale observation, distance estimation and reporting;

All crew provided with an environmental induction containing controls which must be adopted during the survey to protect whales;

Implement & comply with requirements of the DEWHA Industry Guidelines Policy Statement 2.1 – Interaction between Offshore Seismic Exploration and Whales (2008) (includes 30minute prestart watch, 35min soft‐start, 3km precautionary zone, 1km low power zone & power‐down procedures, 500m shutdown zone & shut‐down procedures; controls for start‐up during periods of low visibility; acoustic source powered‐down to lowest possible setting when not acquiring data);

Continuous whale watch during daylight hours during geophysical activities.

Mitigations:

Cetaceans will avoid area if sound disturbance is too high;

WSH Survey location lies in area where cetaceans my transit as part of annual migrations but there are no significant breeding, feeding or resting areas present.

Odontocetes have higher ‘call’ sound intensities and are not expected to be impacted by acoustic sources used in the geophysical portion of this survey.

Short, limited geophysical survey duration (~1‐2days) and the survey area is small

LOW





Operation of Survey Acoustic Sources (Con’t)

Behavioural changes to Pinnipeds

Mitigation Controls:

SELs of all equipment are below levels where Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) has been measured in Otariid Seals;

Pinnipeds exhibit some avoidance behaviour to high sound sources however not as consistent or as strong as that measured in cetaceans. Monitoring record review shows limited avoidance around acoustics sources.

Controls implemented from the DEWHA Industry Guidelines Policy Statement 2.1 – Interaction between Offshore Seismic Exploration and Whales (2008) will alert and deter pinnipeds from the area (if present and disturbed by the sound levels).

Survey 1 (geophysical) is very short duration (~1‐2days) and over a small area.

Survey area is not in proximity to heavily populated seal colonies

LOW

Damage/ behavioural changes to fish & shark species


Shark and fish species sensitive to low frequency sounds (<1.5kHz) and shark species (<500Hz);

Effects of large magnitude sound impacts (~220dB) have damaged fish eggs/larvae at very close range;

Fish species sensitive to sound will temporarily displace from area affected;

Vessel is constantly moving (i.e. not situated in one area);

Survey duration is very short (i.e. 1‐2 days) and survey area is small;

Controls implemented from the DEWHA Industry Guidelines Policy Statement 2.1 – Interaction between Offshore Seismic Exploration and Whales (2008) will alert and deter sharks/fish from the area (if present and disturbed by the sound levels).

LOW

Damage/permanent behaviour change to invertebrates


No low frequency (<500Hz) acoustic sources being used for the geophysical survey. Available literature indicates that invertebrates are sensitive to low‐frequency sound (<500Hz) and the particle motion component of the sound field.

Sound intensities emitted are below seismic acoustic arrays. Studies undertaken for seismic arrays have identified no mortality or behavioural impacts to adult lobsters and no impacts to lobster larvae.

Similar studies undertaken on scallops for seismic surveys identify no immediate or short‐term mortality impacts to adult scallops. Studies on scallop larvae impacts identified that deformation and delayed development of scallop larvae occurred as a result of ‘particle motion’ (which occurs in the near‐field close to array) rather than sound pressure levels.

Geophysical survey duration is very short (i.e. 1‐2 days) and survey area is small.

LOW





Propulsion of Vessel Sound pollution & behavioural disturbance to marine fauna


Vessel propulsion systems undergo regular preventative maintenance and routine inspection against manufacturers requirements;

Sound levels emitted from vessels are below levels which cause damage to marine fauna;

Comply with proximity distances and vessel speeds as required for cetaceans as per EPBC Regulations 2000 (Part 8). Survey vessel will travel at low speeds (no wake).

Vessel crew will observe for cetaceans.

Requirement included in Environmental Induction.

Mitigations:

Small area of impact given the rapid dissipation of sound in the marine environment;

Marine species will avoid area if noise disturbance is too high;

Total survey duration is short (i.e. 10‐15 days) and over small area.

LOW

Geotechnical Impacts (Seabed Coring/Sampling)

Disturbance to benthic habitats (permanent loss of function)

Prevention Controls

Geophysical survey results will inform the location of geotechnical activities/sampling;

Grab and core sampling will impact on very small areas of seabed during each sampling/coring activity;

Use of method statements for equipment to place equipment on the seabed.

Mitigation Control

Sandy substrate rapidly recolonized by adjacent benthic flora/fauna;

Seabed currents rapidly fill sample depressions;

Adjacent fishing activity distributes sediments.

LOW

Geotechnical Impacts (Subsea Coring Chemical Use)

Reduction in water quality (organics & toxics) leading to impacts on marine fauna and flora


All chemicals utilised will be OCNS GOLD, Non‐CHARMable Group E or PLONOR (or equivalent in toxicity, biodegradability or persistence);

Small volumes of chemical utilised for coring activities.

Mitigation:

Rapidly dispersed in the Bass Strait environment;

Marine fauna are transitory / mobile and exposure rates will not be significant.

LOW





Vessel Discharges

Vessel Oily water Discharges

Reduction in water quality (organics & toxics) leading to impacts on marine fauna and flora


Survey vessel has equipment and discharge practices which comply with MARPOL Annex 1 requirements;

Oily water treated through a treatment to an oil‐in‐water (OIW) content <15ppm prior to discharge en‐route;

Oil Detection Monitoring Equipment (ODME) is regularly calibrated to maintain OIW discharge concentration overboard (recorded in oil record book);

Equipment routinely maintained (Preventative/Planned Maintenance System);

Separated oil stored in dedicated tank for onshore disposal.

Vessels without oil/water treatment systems store water on‐board for onshore disposal.

Mitigation:

Low volumes discharged and rapid dilution/dispersion in Bass Strait marine waters.

Total survey duration is short (i.e. 10‐15 days).

LOW

Grey water/sewage Discharge

Reduction in water quality (organics & visual amenity) leading to impacts on marine fauna and flora


Sewage is treated in accordance with MARPOL 73/78 requirements prior to discharge;

Sewage treatment systems routinely maintained and inspected;

POB strictly controlled on vessel not to exceed sewage treatment facility capacity;

On breakdown of equipment discharge directed in‐board for tank storage until equipment operational or discharged at port facilities.

Mitigation:

Low volume of sewage generated with small numbers of personnel on board;

High dispersal/dilution in Bass Strait marine environment;


LOW

Putrescible waste (food‐scraps) Discharges

Reduction in water quality (organics & visual amenity) leading to impacts on marine fauna and flora


Waste Management on board Vessels in accordance with the Vessel’s Garbage Management Plan;

Food‐scraps macerated to less than 25mm particle size in accordance with MARPOL 73/78 requirements and discharged whilst en route at distances greater than 3nm from land or frozen on‐board for onshore disposal;

Equipment routinely maintained and inspected;

Personnel trained in the requirements of the Vessel’s Waste Management Plan with placards providing on‐board guidance to personnel.

Mitigation:

Low volumes discharged and rapid dilution/dispersion in marine waters;


LOW





Combustion Emissions from Vessels

Reduction in air quality (NOx, SOx, CO2) & aesthetic impacts of smoke


Survey vessel utilises MDO/MGO which meets MARPOL Annex VI requirements for SOx emissions;

Vessel engines (as required) meet MARPOL Annex VI requirements for NOx emissions;

Regular equipment monitoring and maintenance undertaken on combustion equipment to ensure maximum efficiencies are obtained; and

Fuel usage is monitored for abnormal consumption and corrective action initiated (as required).

Mitigation:

Low volumes generated and rapid dilution/dispersion in atmosphere;

Survey is for a short limited period.

LOW

Non‐routine Activities (Incidents)

Oil spill due to tank rupture (Spill volume – largest fuel tank is 25 or 80m

3)

Toxic & Physiological impacts to marine biota (including Cetaceans, Seals & Fish)


Survey vessel is class certified to undertake marine survey activities;

Navigational aids on survey vessel include navigation lighting, radar, radio and AIS to avoid collisions;

Vessel operated by experienced and competent crew (STWC95/Elements of Shipboard Safety or equivalent) with 24/7 bridge watch;

Notice to Mariners issued by AHO;

AMSA RCC AusCoast marine warning issued;

Vessel can manoeuvre to avoid collisions;

Consultation with and notification to, marine stakeholders of activity.

Mitigation:

Availability of approved, implemented and tested SOPEP and OSCP arrangements for survey.

AMSA response to oil spill as Combat Agency for marine vessels in Commonwealth waters and Victorian DTPLI in Victorian Waters.

LOW





Packaged Oil/Chemical spill through deck system

Localised Reduction of Water Quality leading to impacts on marine fauna and flora


Small volumes of chemicals/oils held on‐board (usually in packages of limited volume);

Chemicals stored in suitable containers in contained areas isolated from the deck drainage system;

Deck bunding provided for temporary activities where there is an increased risk of oil spills;

MSDSs are to be made available for all chemicals/oils on‐board;

Spill kits to be provided in appropriate locations close to high‐risk spill locations;

Routine inspection of storage areas and spill kits to ensure adequate stocking and labelling;

Crew members trained in the handling and response requirements of specific chemicals via induction;

Deck spills are cleaned up immediately and prior to any deck washing. Clean‐up waste materials containerised for onshore disposal;

Biodegradable detergents used on vessels;

High levels of housekeeping maintained on the vessel.

Mitigation:

Availability of implemented and tested SOPEP

Low volumes generated and rapid dilution/dispersion in marine environment;

Survey is for a short limited duration.

LOW

Solid, Non‐biodegradable/ Hazardous Waste overboard incident

Toxicity impacts to marine flora & fauna

Harm to Marine Fauna by Ingestion


Survey vessel operates in accordance with an approved Garage Management Plan which includes identification of waste reduction measures (at source) to prevent waste generation;

All waste materials (solid, non‐biodegradable & hazardous) are stored in containers on‐board the vessel (i.e. No Waste Overboard Policy’) for onshore recycling, reuse or disposal;

Where possible wastes are segregated, compacted and stored on‐board the vessel for onshore recycling, reuse or disposal;

Waste storage areas are routinely inspected and high standards of housekeeping maintained;

All wastes are sent to shore for treatment and disposal according to Victorian Waste Disposal legislation;

Induction reinforces to all crew (& other) personnel of waste management requirements.

LOW

Trailing Equipment Loss to the Marine Environment

Hazard to Third Party Marine Users (Shipping & Fishing Hazard)


Survey vessel adheres to training equipment deployment and retrieval procedures;

Trailing equipment maintain a secondary retaining device to prevent loss;

Equipment undergoes routine inspection and equipment checks to replace damaged or worn components.

Mitigation:

In the event of trailing equipment loss, marine stakeholders are notified.

LOW





Trailing Equipment Loss/Entanglement to the Marine Environment

Hazard to Third Party Marine Users (Shipping & Fishing Hazard)


Trailing equipment will be operated at least 12.5‐15m above the seabed avoiding known seabed obstructions in the area;

Seabed conditions monitored via MBES and equipment (CHIRP system) winched in if obstructions are present;

Equipment operated by trained personnel adhering to equipment deployment and retrieval procedures;

Trailing equipment operations maintain a secondary retaining device is used to prevent loss;

Equipment undergoes routine inspection and equipment checks to replace damaged or worn components;

Mitigation:

In the event of trailing equipment loss, marine stakeholders are notified.

Beacons within trailing equipment allow for the positioning of trailing equipment.

LOW

Hydraulic line Liquid Release from Subsea Equipment

Toxicity impacts to marine flora & fauna


Subsea equipment is ‘hard‐piped’ as far as possible to prevent leaks;

Regular maintenance of umbilical components/subsea equipment and inspection prior to deployment and during subsequent deployment events;

Hoses and fittings carry an appropriate pressure rating;

Personnel controlling the subsea equipment are competent to undertake the activity.


Rapid dispersion in the marine environment.

LOW

Collision with Cetaceans

Damage/Death to Individual Cetacean


Comply with proximity distances as required for cetaceans in Part 8 of the EPBC Regulations 2000 (avoids cetacean strikes). This includes (within caution zone – whales (300m) & dolphins (150m)):

Operate vessel at constant speed of 6knots & minimise noise;

Vessel not to drift closer than 50m (dolphins) & 100m (whales);

If cetacean is disturbed immediately withdraw from the area;

Make sure the vessel does not restrict path of cetacean and the vessel does not pursue cetacean.

Mitigation:

Cetaceans deterred from high sound areas.

LOW




6.0 SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT APPROACH

Hibiscus, as the ‘Environmental Operator’ of the Geophysical/Geotechnical survey activity, is accountable for the environmental outcomes of the survey and will ensure that there activity is managed in accordance with the requirements of this Environment Plan. The selected survey contractor will undertake survey operations on Hibiscus’s behalf, and, under contractual arrangements with Hibiscus, will implement and comply with all environmental controls and procedures nominated in this accepted Environment Plan.

Hibiscus is committed to the protection of the environment in all activities it undertakes. Activities are undertaken in accordance with relevant legislated standards and where legislated standards do not exist, responsible standards are adopted. Successful environmental outcomes are achieved by understanding how proposed activities interact with the environment, identifying possible and foreseeable impacts, and implementing management controls which eliminate or reduce the environmental risk to a level which is As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).

Environmental performance objectives have been defined for each environmental aspect. Control measures adopted to manage the environmental risk to ALARP have been assigned measurable performance standards to ensure that controls meet their stated environmental outcomes. Environmental performance and control measure implementation is monitored and verified throughout the activity by the Hibiscus Offshore Representative.

Key elements of the implementation include:

Definition of specific roles and responsibilities as they relate to environmental protection and control implementation;

Induction activities to educate personnel of specific environmental aspects of the survey including environmental sensitivities within the region, control measures which require implementation; monitoring and reporting requirements; and ongoing communication/awareness sessions to reinforce requirements and identify/resolve possible issues;

Incident reporting and investigation of environmental incidents; and

Compliance assurance of the survey activities and its adherence to the Environment Plan requirements through auditing and inspection activities.

Hibiscus adopts a philosophy of continuous improvement. Learnings from the survey performance appraisals and incident investigations are documented and incorporated as improvement actions for future activities.




7.0 CONSULTATION PROCESS

In accordance with the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009 R11A & R14(9) the following stakeholders and interested parties have been identified and consulted as part of the stakeholder engagements process for the WSH survey activities:

Commonwealth Department or Agency

Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA);

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA);

Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO);

National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA);

Department of Environment (DOE);

Department of Defence;

Border Protection Command;

Department of Communications (DOC); and

National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT). Victorian Departments or Agencies

Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI);

Department of Transport; and

Department of State Development, Business and Innovation (DSDBI). Fishing Interest Groups

Lakes Entrance Fisherman’s Cooperative Pty Ltd (LEFCOL);

South‐East Trawl Fishing Industry Association (SETFIA);

Sustainable Shark Fishing Inc.;

Southern Shark Industry Alliance;

Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association (ASBTIA);

Commonwealth Fisheries Association (CFA);

Seafood Industry Victoria (SIV);

Scallop Fishermen’s Association;

Victorian Scallop Fishermen’s Association (VSFA)4;

Eastern Rock Lobster Industry Association;

VRFish; and

Individual Cray & Inshore Trawl Fishermen. Commercial Charter Fishing Organisations:

Far Out Fishing; and

Gippsland Lakes Charter Boats Association. Adjacent Oil and Gas/Commercial Operators

Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd;

Cape Energy Resources;

Telstra; and

Basslink.

4 Hibiscus has provided information on survey activities to VSFA, however no feedback has been provided to date on its interests.




Feedback obtained in these consultation activities has allowed for the development of a communication and engagement strategy for each relevant stakeholder identifying the level, type, ‘triggers’ and schedule of on‐going engagement through the geophysical/geotechnical survey. Hibiscus will maintain communications with stakeholders identified in this communications/engagement strategy to ensure they are informed of relevant aspects of the survey or changes that may affect them.




9.0 CONTACT DETAILS

Further information associated with the environmental aspects of the Geophysical/Geotechnical survey may be obtained from Hibiscus by contacting:

Tom Stensgaard

Carnarvon Hibiscus Pty Ltd;

Level 5/165 Flinders Lane,

Melbourne, Victoria, 3000

Telephone: 0432 696 855

Email: [email protected]




9.0 REFERENCES

Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), 2012 – Email between Anne Duncan and L. Chapman regarding Commonwealth Fisheries in the Survey Area (29/10/12)

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), 2013 – Email between James Bond and Leonie Chapman regarding vessel encounter in WSH Survey area (05/03/13)

Barton, J., Pope, A, and Howe, S. (2012) – Parks Victoria Technical Series No 79 – Marine Natural Values Study Vol 2: Marine Protected Areas of the Flinders and Twofold Shelf Bioregions, available at http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/545517/PV_TS79_complete.pdf

Department of Environment & Primary Industries (DEPI) (2013) – Email M. Schubert to L. Chapman regarding Victorian Fisheries sent on 23/05/2013.

Department of Environment, Water, Heritage & the Arts (DEWHA), 2008 ‐ EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1‐ Interaction between offshore seismic exploration and whales downloaded on 25/5/13 at http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/publications/pubs/seismic‐whales.pdf

Director of National Parks, 2012 – Draft South‐East Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network Management Plan, Director of National Parks, Canberra downloaded on 5th July 2012 at http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/south‐east/publications/pubs/se‐draft‐management‐plan.pdf

DPI, 2011 – Gippsland Basin Oil and Gas Field Map available at http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/earth‐resources/oil‐gas/reserves‐production

Fugro, 2007a – Report for the West Seahorse 3 Site Survey, Fugro Survey Job No: P0635‐7, prepared for Australian Drilling Associates, Melbourne

Fugro, 2007b – Report for the West Seahorse 3 Site Survey, Fugro Survey Job No: P0635‐8, prepared for Australian Drilling Associates, Melbourne

National Oceans Office (NOO), 2002 – Ecosystems – Nature’s Diversity – The South‐East Regional Marine Plan Assessment Reports downloaded on 27th June 2012 at http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/publications/south‐east/pubs/natures‐diversity.pdf

Parks Victoria, 2013 – Park Notes – Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park available at http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/314572/Park‐note‐Gippsland‐Lakes‐Coastal‐Park.pdf

Parks Victoria, 2003 – Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan, downloaded on 24/1/13 at

http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/313279/gippsland‐lakes‐ramsar‐site.pdf

SEWPC, 2013a – Protected Matters Database Search for WSH Survey Area undertaken on 4th June 2013 at www.environment.gov.au

SEWPC, 2013b – Australian National Shipwrecks Database, downloaded on 26/1/13 at https://apps5a.ris.environment.gov.au/shipwreck/public/maps/shipwreck‐map‐search‐load.do

SEWPC, 2013c – Heritage Listing – Gabo Island Lighthouse – downloaded on 15th May 2013 at http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi‐bin/ahdb/search.pl?mode=place_detail;search=state%3DVIC%3Blist_code%3DCHL%3Blegal_status%3D35%3Bkeyword_PD%3D0%3Bkeyword_SS%3D0%3Bkeyword_PH%3D0;place_id=105379

Shaughnessy, P.D. 1999 – The Action Plan for Australian Seals, accessed on 20th May 2012 @ www.environment.gov.au/coasts/publications

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